fortune in
case Mademoiselle de Villefort still determines on marrying M. Franz?"
The old man gave no answer. "You will, of course, dispose of it in some
way or other?"

"Yes."

"In favor of some member of your family?"

"No."

"Do you intend devoting it to charitable purposes, then?" pursued the
notary.

"Yes."

"But," said the notary, "you are aware that the law does not allow a son
to be entirely deprived of his patrimony?"

"Yes."

"You only intend, then, to dispose of that part of your fortune which
the law allows you to subtract from the inheritance of your son?"
Noirtier made no answer. "Do you still wish to dispose of all?"

"Yes."

"But they will contest the will after your death?"

"No."

"My father knows me," replied Villefort; "he is quite sure that his
wishes will be held sacred by me; besides, he understands that in my
position I cannot plead against the poor." The eye of Noirtier beamed
with triumph. "What do you decide on, sir?" asked the notary of
Villefort.

"Nothing, sir; it is a resolution which my father has taken and I know
he never alters his mind. I am quite resigned. These 900,000 francs
will go out of the family in order to enrich some hospital; but it is
ridiculous thus to yield to the caprices of an old man, and I shall,
therefore, act according to my conscience." Having said this, Villefort
quitted the room with his wife, leaving his father at liberty to do as
he pleased. The same day the will was made, the witnesses were brought,
it was approved by the old man, sealed in the presence of all and given
in charge to M. Deschamps, the family notary.

Chapter 60. The Telegraph.

M. and Madame de Villefort found on their return that the Count of Monte
Cristo, who had come to visit them in their absence, had been ushered
into the drawing-room, and was still awaiting them there. Madame de
Villefort, who had not yet sufficiently recovered from her late emotion
to allow of her entertaining visitors so immediately, retired to her
bedroom, while the procureur, who could better depend upon himself,
proceeded at once to the salon. Although M. de Villefort flattered
himself that, to all outward view, he had completely masked the feelings
which were passing in his mind, he did not know that the cloud was
still lowering on his brow, so much so that the count, whose smile was
radiant, immediately noticed his sombre and thoughtful air. "Ma foi,"
said Monte Cristo, after the first c